The last away game of the season arrives and, despite what the league table might say, there is still the important matter of local pride to play for as we visit the Gallagher and near neighbours, Maidstone United.

For Maidstone, the game carries vital importance as they teeter on the brink of either securing their spot in the play-offs or falling out of the equation going into Saturday’s final round of matches.

Maidstone moved into third position in National League South when they won at Longmead on Boxing Day and have subsequently had a couple of spells in second, but a blip in February saw them drop down to seventh, and, for three days last week they fell out of the play-off zone, but to moved back into it by beating and relegating Welling United, whilst Weston-super-Mare lost at Chippenham Town on Good Friday.

Since our last meeting Antony Papadopoulos has returned to parent club Crawley United and Matt Rush was recalled by Sutton United and quickly moved on to promotion rivals Boreham Wood. Tom Leahy has arrived on loan from Millwall; Ruben Shakpoke joined from Enfield Town and Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong has returned to the club from Wealdstone.

The man to watch is undoubtably Aaron Blair who is fast approaching 20 goals for the season, while two former Angels midfielders are in their squad. Last season's Angels’ player of the year Jordan Higgs has just returned from a one game ban, while Bivesh Gurung played 45 minutes during a loan spell from the Stones in 2023.

There will be home and away sections for this game. The away end has changed since the last game at the Gallagher between the two sides. Visiting supporters now have a section of the Town End stand and the riverside concourse. Entrance for away fans is via Turnstiles 1 and 2, accessed via the main car park. 

The match will be all ticket for home and visiting supporters. There are no tickets available from the turnstile on the day and admission needs to be purchased via the link HERE .

Adults: £17.00; Concessions (65+/17/students): £13.00; Youth (11-16): £7.00* and Juniors (under 11): Free, with a paying adult.

*Children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult (18+) or concession (65+) for all first team fixtures at the Gallagher Stadium. Proof of age will be checked on arrival by means of photographic ID.

There is no parking at the Gallagher and supporters are directed to the car parks at Invicta House (five minute walk), Maidstone East Train Station (seven minute walk) and Fremlin Walk (ten minute walk).

Train travellers will alight at Maidstone West and after crossing the Lockmeadow Millennium Bridge, walk along the River Medway towpath to the Gallagher Stadium. 

Scott Wagstaff commented post-match on Friday and looking forward to the A26 Derby: “It’s a great opportunity for the boys to showcase what they can do. I know how much it means to the fans, I know how much it means to me, we will give it absolutely everything and get a result over them. I’ve never beaten them since I’ve been here. It’s going to be a difficult game, they’ve got something to play for, getting into the play-offs. There’s less pressure on us and more on them, and we’ve been better in those sort of games, so hopefully it goes that way on Monday.”